Raise your glass to knowledge

Auckland is the latest city to join a
worldwide initiative to transform bars into lecture
theatres.

The University of Auckland is hosting a
Raising the Bar event on August 29, when leading academics
will give 20 free talks at 10 inner-city Auckland bars on
one night.

With topics ranging from why terrorists want to
kill us, getting up in space, to life among the robots,
Aucklanders with a thirst for knowledge will be spoilt for
choice.

The concept for Raising the Bar originated in New
York, with the aim of making education a greater part of a
city’s popular culture. It has since expanded to major
cities around the world including San Francisco, Hong Kong,
Sydney, London, and Melbourne.

For the inaugural Auckland
event the University has collaborated with bars in close
proximity to one another so attendees may be able to visit
up to two venues on the night.

Notable intellectuals
taking part include microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles on the
quest for new medicines; sociologist Dr Tracey McIntosh on
imagining a world without prisons; emerging thought leaders
like Dr Thomas Gregory on drones and the politics of
killing; or learn about the brains of sharks from renowned
marine scientist Professor John Montgomery.

“The
University of Auckland is home to many incredible
researchers who are at the cutting edge of a diverse range
of fields. This event gives our alumni and the wider
Auckland community a chance to engage with leading academics
in an informal, accessible and highly convivial atmosphere.
Pubs have been host to great conversations for as long as
they have existed – we’re glad we can continue and
expand that worthy tradition,” says Mark Bentley, Director
of Alumni Relations and Development at the University of
Auckland.

Registrations for this unique event open on July
20 and the public are urged to get in early to secure a bar
stool at one or more of the venues.

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